Author's note: Once again, thank you to turtlequeen2 for all of your help with this chapter, with any luck we should be updating more often now. Please forgive the lateness of this chapter and please remember to leave a review.
A week later, Edward's injuries were finally healed enough that he was allowed to leave the hospital. Roy wasted no time getting the earliest train he could manage that was bound for Central.
Edward and Alphonse sat across from each other in one section of the moving train while Riza sat across from Roy and Rosette in another section. The sections were across the aisle from each other so both groups could get a clear view of each other.
The youngest state alchemist leaned onto his hand as he watched Roy interact with Rosette. It seemed that whenever the colonel was around his sister, he would act almost as if he were a complete different person. Edward had to admit that he liked Rose around the older man because he acted less like an "bastard" with her beside him.
Rosette was hard at work writing, her notebook balanced on the arm of her chair. Sometimes she would look off into space, other times she would notice the Elrics looking at her and smile at them.
'She looks happy.' Al commented. 'It looks like she's getting a lot done too.'
Edward nodded his head in agreement. 'There's probably two reasons for this... That bastard she was betrothed to is now charred ashes and she's now with the colonel...' he noted with a twinge of sarcasm.
'I didn't think the colonel would actually kill Ronald in the hospital though... you think he'll get in trouble for it?' Al asked with a shiver.
'Knowing him... probably not,' Edward thought with a roll of his eyes. 'He's good at pulling strings, you know.'
'I don't know... I doubt the Fuhrer will be happy about this...'
The state alchemist shrugged his shoulders. 'I guess we'll find out when we get to Central...'
"Roy?" Rosette asked, nibbling on the top on her pen. "Do you think they'll like me in Central? And is it true that they have the biggest library?"
The colonel raised his eyebrow, looking down at his sister. "Of course they'll like you, Rose," he answered. "Why wouldn't they?" He then nodded his head at her other question. "It's the biggest library in Amestris. That's for certain."
"It is also true that it's only for alchemists who serve in the military?"
Roy paused, already having to figure out how to get around that problem. He knew he couldn't very well sneak her past security. Not only would that be problematic for her if she was found out, but he would also be severely scolded for it as well. "...This is where a version of equivalent exchange comes in," he remarked with a smug look on his face. "I'm going to get you a job there once it's fully refurnished."
She dropped her pen. "Really Roy? I thought you had to be in the military to work there too!"
The older man's facial expression grew solemn for a few moments as he replied, "Brigadier General Hughes managed to get a woman to work there even though she was never in the military beforehand. She was just a librarian before she was hired."
"Wow. I hope you can get me in... I'm not a librarian, I just love to read and write..." She frowned. "Would that mean I'll be in the military too if I work there?"
"Well, if you can get in and learn to manage not reading during your shift, you can read all the books in there you want during your off time," Roy replied, his mood lifting at her response.
Rosette laughed and took back the pen she'd dropped from her brother. "I'll try my best Roy, but what's the exchange for you getting me the job?"
"Well, if you can get in and learn to manage not reading during your shift, you can read all the books in there you want during your off time," Roy replied, his mood lifting at her response.
Rosette laughed and took back the pen she'd dropped from her brother. "I'll try my best Roy, but what's the exchange for you getting me the job?"
The older man innocently raised his eyebrow at her question. "And why would you think I'd want any payment from you?" he asked.
"You said it was 'equivalent exchange', you've never used that term lightly before, and I know you aren't doing it now." Rose pointed out, running a hand through her short red hair and shooting him a look.
The colonel sighed, knowing that she knew him all too well. "I have one simple request," he admitted.
"I'm listening Roy." Her voice was serious, a sure sign that this wasn't a joking matter to her.
"Try to stay out of trouble," Roy replied, his expression growing hard as well. "There's a lot of shady people in Central that you need to stay clear of."
"I never look for trouble, but it always finds me." His younger sister said calmly. "I'll assume dating is out of the question as well?"
The older man nodded. "You got it," he remarked. "Except for a select few, I don't trust anyone around me."
"What do I do if someone flirts with me, one of your co-workers for example?"
"I'll take care of it," Roy replied in a relatively calm manner. However, his dark eyes glimmered, showing that he planned far more than to speak with them civilly.
Seeing the glimmer in his eyes, Rosette sighed. "Oh Roy..."
As soon as the rag-tag group returned to Central, they were called into the Fuhrer's office. Upon being granted permission to enter, Colonel Mustang already knew what was going to come to him.
Rosette's gray eyes danced in humor, but she bowed her head respectfully to Fuhrer King Bradley.
Keeping his friendly mask in place, he studied the girl that was the reason Roy was now in such a mess. "Well Colonel, I hear you've had quite the adventure."
Roy stifled the sigh that wanted to be let out. "Yes, you could say that, Sir," he replied in as formal a tone as he could manage.
"I suppose you have a good reason, though I believe your intentions were to bring him alive." The Fuhrer said. "Would you please explain yourself?"
"The man endangered the lives of my sister and the Elric Brothers by being foolish and inviting danger to their doorstep," the colonel calmly explained, standing his ground and knowing that if he had the chance to re-live that moment, he would have done it again.
"That may be, but it sets a very bad example for the rest." Inwardly seething at Lust's incompetence, he frowned at Mustang. "Will she be a problem?"
"I will take full responsibility for my actions," Roy responded with his head slightly bowed out of respect. "And no, my sister will be of no problem to anyone in this building."
The entire time, Rosette had kept her head bowed, silently staying at Roy's side.
The Fuhrer slowly peered over the group with his one uncovered eye, surveying their submissive stances as he contemplated what to do to the colonel. "This cannot be left alone that easily," he addressed in a stern tone, his facial expression growing serious. "An incident like that could have sparked panic if others have seen you. We have enough battles to fight without our soldiers starting riots, Colonel Mustang."
Roy felt himself frown, knowing that his superior had a point. "I apologize for my carelessness and will assure you that it will never happen again," he remarked, looking up at Bradley.
"See to it that it doesn't," Bradley replied. "As for your punishment..." He left the sentence hanging for dramatic effect before his friendly mask was placed back onto his face. "All of the paper work that was due by the end of this month will now be due in two days."
The colonel nearly fell over at the Fuhrer's words. Clearly, someone should get a much heavier fine than that?! Trying hard to keep up appearances, Roy swallowed a deep breath. "It will be done," he stated.
"Oh, and just to make sure you keep up with your work, I will strip you of any breaks you get for the month," Bradley added, making Roy flinch.
Rosette bit her lower lip, fighting the urge to laugh at her brother, but kept her head down so no one would see. 'Roy's not gonna be happy!" She thought.
Edward, who had been listening intently to the conversation, lowered his head to prevent himself from snickering. 'Good enough for the bastard!' he inwardly laughed, loving how Bradley knew his subordinates well.
The Fuhrer walked out from behind his large desk and approached Rosette. Reaching his hand out and not caring what anyone else's reaction would be, he placed the hand under the young woman's chin and tilted her head up. His one eye inspected her as if she were on display at a museum.
Roy had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from speaking out of turn. He didn't feel very highly of Bradley in secret and so it wasn't a surprise that he disliked the man touching his sister.
Rosette appeared to stop breathing as she felt her head gently lifted by his hand; her eyes however were fearless as she looked directly into the Fuhrer's. A glint of amusement flickered in them as her soft full pink lips twitched in a faint smile that made a dimple flash at him, privately congratulating him on the cleverness of her brother's 'punishment' as though it was a secret joke just between them.
After a few minutes of looking over the woman, Bradley removed his hand and stepped away, a faint smile on his lips as well. "I would be very sure to take good care of her, Mustang," he advised. "You wouldn't want anything to happen to her around here."
"I intend to, Sir," Roy replied, still inwardly annoyed at how the older man touched his sister. He also couldn't figure out if Bradley was indirectly threatening him or not, but decided to keep such thoughts to himself.
The Fuhrer paused, thinking over what he saw in the woman. He felt as if this girl could prove useful to him and his other allies or could help bring upon their destruction for reasons he couldn't explain. Forcing himself to keep up the pleasantries, he waved them off. "You are all dismissed," he finally stated, waiting for them to leave his sights.
"Thank you for your time milord." Rose said quietly, speaking for the first time. "I'll try and keep my brother out of trouble." Her tone slightly edged in velvet-coated steel as she added. "Even if I have to put him on a leash."
As Bradley watched them exit the room, he frowned slightly. He had a feeling that she would be even more trouble than Roy ever was.
"Well? What did you think of the little rabbit?" An amused sultry voice asked as the hidden door to his bookshelf sprang open after they left.
"She will be challenging to tame for certain," the Fuhrer, otherwise known as Pride, observed in an annoyed tone.
"You make it sound like she'll be a problem." Lust was amused. "Don't tell me you are wishing for your younger days..."
The aging homunculi cast a glare at the woman, clearly not in the mood to be messed with. "In any case, since you failed your objective, we need some other way to get to her," he remarked dryly.
"Why should we bother with her at all Pride? She'll be busy enough making a mess here trying to fit in." Lust sat on the corner of his desk. "Did you really see something that interesting in her eyes? I've certainly never seen you touch someone in that manner..."
"There was some type of reason as to why Mustang risked his life to save hers," the man remarked. "Just because she's unable to walk doesn't mean she doesn't have good support around her."
She scoffed openly at Pride. "He was hardly risking his life and why wouldn't Mustang save her, she's his little sister." She turned her head. "Envy, what do you think of the rabbit?"
Envy stepped out of the shadows, mildly amused at their bickering. "I think I'll enjoy playing with her..." he said with a smirk. "I've been meaning to let myself have a little fun since it's been so horribly boring sitting around and listening to you two go on and on all day."
Pride smirked. "What exactly did you have in mind for the girl? You aren't bothered by her wheelchair I trust?"
"Nope, not in the least," the androgynous homunculus replied. "It's a nice change of pace, I suppose."
Lust sighed. "I highly doubt you'll be capable of keeping her attentions, after all, you aren't the romantic type."
Envy raised his eyebrow. "Who said I'd have to be in this form to approach her?" he tossed back. "I've always been a good actor, you know."
"Not that good, and you've never had to woo a woman either." Lust shot back.
"I guess this will be a learning experience for all of us," Envy chuckled, finding himself in high spirits.
Pride smirked. "I'd be happy to offer lessons, provided Envy can still his tongue and not scare her away..."
The green-haired homunculus narrowed his eyes at his younger "sibling" of sorts. "Ha, ha, very funny," he replied with heavily implied sarcasm.
"How will you go about this?" Pride asks.
"It's rather simple, really," Envy remarked. "Gain her trust and then set the trap."
"I trust you'll make her happy before you kill her?" Pride raised an eyebrow.
The other homunculus shrugged. "If that's what it takes."
Lust smiled. "Let her die happy thinking she is loved, otherwise Mustang will do to you as he did to the last one."
Envy found himself cringing slightly. "...I don't think I'd enjoy being roasted alive fifty times over..." he murmured more to himself.
"Just remember that fate if you make her cry." Pride nodded.
Heaving a sigh, Envy walked past the pair and paused, mentally and physically willing his body to transform into a clone of a standard military officer. "I think I'll go figure out which form would best suit the cause..." he announced, moving towards the door.
Lust snickered after Envy left. "Care to make a bet Pride? I'll even let you go first…"
Once the disguised homunculus stepped out of the room, he decided to go "evaluate" his prey. Walking down the large corridors of the military building, he decided to go look at where the girl was most likely at; Roy Mustang's office.
Already, Rosette was turning everything upside down, but doing it so cheerfully that she seemed to be a force of nature that her older brother seemed completely powerless to stop as she tidied up his office. "..I'll bring your meals to you so that you can keep right on working." The redhead told Roy with a kind smile.
Roy was now reeling, finally feeling the full force of the punishment handed down to him. He let out a heavy sigh, hanging his head down behind his desk that was literally covered with stacks of papers just waiting to be filled out by his hand.
"Would you like some coffee Roy?" She asked him, patting his shoulder encouragingly.
"...That would be very nice..." the older sibling murmured with another defeated exhale of breath. "It's not like I'm going to be sleeping anytime soon...."
"How do you take it? I'll bring you a big mug."
"...Put a lot of sugar in it. No cream," the colonel answered.
"Do you want something to eat too?"
The young man shrugged. "I suppose I could use small sandwich to tie me over for the night," he answered. It wasn't as if he truly had the time to eat a big meal in the first place.
Lieutenant Hawkeye made sure to emphasize the same point he thought. "Colonel, I'm hoping you're planning to eat while you're working?" she remarked in a serious voice, knowing very well that Mustang was good procrastinator.
"Yes, of course," Roy sighed, knowing that Hawkeye wouldn't let him slack off this time around.
Flashing a thankful smile as Hawkeye, Roy's little sister drove out of the room and rolled down the hall, only to break quickly to avoid running into Envy "I'm sorry. Are you all right sir?"
Envy's eyes narrowed in annoyance, about the snap back at the woman before he realized just who he was looking at. Forcing his temper down to a simmer, the homunculus forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine," he remarked, his voice changed completely into a smooth tenor sound. "I should have watched where I was going..." Blinking down at Rosette, he then asked, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
She blushed like a blooming rose at the sound of his voice and mentally kicked herself for her bad driving, embarrassed, she dropped her eyes in respect so she wasn't looking at his face. "I was assigned to get some food, and I was trying to hurry since I'm not really sure of my way around so I don't take too long." Rosette smiled apologetically. "Sorry to have bothered you."
Having decided on a final form fast, Envy quickly changed his body's composition within the uniform. Certain that she hadn't stared up at him long enough, he knew that she wouldn't have noticed any changes in his features. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smirking when he saw Rosette blush. 'This is going to be much easier than I thought...' he mentally snickered before putting up his cheerful act and verbally replying, "Oh, it's no problem at all!" He made sure to use the same voice as he spoke to her. "In fact, if you want, I could help you get to the cafeteria," he then offered.
"That would be very helpful. Thank you very much." She smiled again. "This place is a maze..."
Envy's present green eyes seemed to brighten with pleasantness despite his true thoughts on the matter. His short black hair was neatly tucked under the military officer's hat as he bit back another smirk at the sight of her innocent smile. "It isn't that bad once you get used to it," he remarked. Once he heard her brakes unlock, he began to walk. "I take it that you're not from around here?"
"No, I'm visiting my brother." Rosette rolled alongside but slightly behind him.
The homunculus nodded his head, continuing to act the part of an innocent soldier. "Oh?" he remarked, sounding interested. "Would it be rude of me to ask who your brother is?"
"Colonel Roy Mustang." She snuck a glance at him from the corner of her gray eyes, admiring him.
Envy paused in his walk, appearing a bit surprised at her words. Looking down at her, his eyes widened. "So you're that woman this entire base as been talking about this whole day!" he remarked. "...Rosette, right?"
"Oh my... has word really spread that quickly?" The redhead looked chagrined. "Oops... I'm Rosette yes."
The "officer" allowed himself to smirk this time. "Should I be worried about the Colonel coming to flame me alive for speaking to you?" he asked in an amused tone.
"No, he won't hurt you, not if you are polite to me." Rosette smiled. "No flirting though, Roy doesn't like that very much."
"Ah, I understand then," Envy chuckled, flashing her a smile of his own. He then blinked. "Oh, where's my manners?" he admonished before bowing his head with slight respect. "I'm known as First Lieutenant Mark Stone."
"It is very nice to meet you Lieutenant Stone." She bowed her head in return, rolling smoothly at his side.
He continued to grin as he led her down another corridor of Central. "So is it true that you're scaring many people with your kindness?" he asked. "I've heard that from others around here."
"I don't know why people would be scared of me." She said with a frown.
"...Probably because not everyone in the military is nice," Envy explained with a shrug. "Kindness is more like a luxury in a place like this."
She sighed. "Are we close to the cafeteria now?" Rosette looked around. "All the halls look alike, so I can't tell."
The homunculus stopped in front of a set of large double doors. "We're already here," he murmured with an amused smirk. He stepped in front of Rosette in order to pull the door open and let her inside.
Rosette froze for a moment, then seemed to take herself in hand, and straightened her shoulders before rolling inside.
After following her inside of the crowded cafeteria, he asked, "Would you like me to stay in order to escort you back to Colonel Mustang's office?"
"Yes please, that would be very kind of you." Her voice was nervous and quiet. "I won't be long."
"Take your time," Envy remarked, his tone warm. "I'm on break for another hour so there's no need to rush for my sake."
The redhead beamed in wordless gratitude before rolling away and picking up a tray to select the food, feeling Envy's warm gaze on her.
The homunculus inwardly snickered. 'Humans are so gullible...' he thought to himself as he watched the young woman move through the line. Though, the male had to admit that Rosette had her own attractive quirks about her for a human woman.
After getting the coffee, the girl carefully balanced the tray in her lap and slowly rolled back towards Envy, the concentration on her sweet face said she was doing her best not to spill anything.
Envy found himself a bit amused at her ability to balance things on her lap. "...Do you need help with any of that?" he asked, pulling open the cafeteria door in order for her to exit.
"If you wouldn't mind, I'd hate to spill something..."
Instead of taking one item or two, the "man" bent down to pick up the entire tray. "I'll give it back to you before you get to the Colonel's office to give off the illusion that you carried it all the way for him," he offered, half-jokingly.
Rosette rewarded her 'helper' with a warm friendly smile. "Thank you very much. He's not in a good temper right now so..."
"Ah," Envy replied. "I'll be sure to leave before he finds out I was ever around." He pretended to cringe, not wanting to face Roy's "wrath" upon him.
"It would be a good idea." The young woman nodded. Seeing he was distracted, she studied him thoughtfully. 'That is one handsome man.' The redhead admitted to herself.
After a few moments, the homunculus and the young woman found themselves in front of Mustang's office. Carefully putting the tray back into Rosette's lap, he smiled down at her. "Well, I suppose this is goodbye," he murmured. "Maybe I'll see you around sometime."
"I must have sounded like a broken record, but I'm really grateful for all of your help. That was very kind of you to help me while you were the one on break." She smiled at him. "Not many people would do that."
Envy kept his smile in place. "It was no problem, really," he assured her. "I'd say more, but you've clearly stated that I'm not allowed to flirt."
Rosette laughed softly. "I hope that you have a nice day." Before she blushed, she opened Mustang's door and went inside.
The homunculus walked away with a smirk, letting out a small laugh as he headed back to where his other allies were. 'I can't wait to rub this into Lust's face! 'Not a good actor' my ass!' he triumphantly thought to himself.
Lust wasn't there, but Pride was still sitting at his desk. "That was quick." He commented
Envy shut the door to the room before transforming back into his normal form. He seemed peeved when he found out that the female homunculus had left the area, but decided to reply to Pride's words. "Well, she's just like many other human women..." he remarked with a sneer. "Treat her like a lady and she's like putty in your hands..."
Pride smirked. "Maybe, but I have a feeling that she's a tougher nut then you think. After all, one scream and her brother would come running, not to mention the soldiers who would fear Mustang's fury if they let her get hurt."
The homunculus frowned at Pride's words. "You always have to point out the negative points, don't you?" he remarked in a pouting fashion.
"You've left the door open a crack, but it's not open yet. Being cocky isn't going to help things."
Keeping his urge to snap back at the young homunculus at bay, he allowed a smirk to cross his face. "That may be so, but I have a feeling that I'll be able to find the crow bar for it soon."
"Are you planning to use force then?" Pride didn't sound pleased at the idea.
"I didn't mean it in that way," Envy quickly replied. "I was referring to infiltration."
"Are you going to play the friendship card or the romance card?" He asked.
"So far... the romance card seems to be on the table," the homunculus answered. "I seemed to have picked the correct form for her to find attraction to."
"How can you tell?" Pride wondered.
"She kept stealing glances at me when she thought I didn't notice," Envy explained with a smirk.
"You sound like you were enjoying it."
The homunculus scoffed; annoyed that Pride would even suggest the idea. "You think I could enjoy a human's company?"
"Why not? In order to play at a romance, the feelings have to be genuine on some level." Pride pointed out. "I'm a married man, I know how it works."
Envy paused, pondering over the statement for a moment. "...Wouldn't you think that's a bit risky on my part?" he asked, growing a bit more serious. "Unlike you, I'm not planning to wed the woman and start a family."
"Until we know what the Master wishes, it would be wise to be prepared for anything. If nothing else, it would make your act that much more believable." Pride answered, throttling down the urge to smack his 'older' brother.
"I'll have to think about that," the green-haired homunculus replied with a sigh.
"Do so, but keep in mind that Mustang is only temporarily out of the way." It wasn't often that he could meddle with Envy, so Pride was taking full advantage of this unlooked for opportunity.
"I got it," Envy sighed again, knowing very well what the purpose of Pride's punishment for Roy was put into place for.
Pride looked thoughtful. "I might even get involved myself..." He said thoughtfully.
The homunculus' eyes narrowed, clearly not wanting interference from another "partner" of his. "...And why would you need to do that for?" he demanded, feeling his temper flare.
"If I'm the one who introduces you, Roy can't roast you over a spit unless you do something very stupid. I can also become something of a father figure to her."
Envy forced himself to calm down when he heard Pride's answer. He had to admit that it was a good idea. He still didn't enjoy the fact that he had to depend on another person, however.
Pride smirked. "Of course, if you hurt the little thing, I'll have to take care of things before her brother does..."
When Rosette entered the room with the tray of food, Roy was busy filling out paper work like a "good" colonel. Though, it was highly suspected that it was due to Hawkeye's diligent watch over the young man and the close proximity she kept to his desk.
"I'm back, sorry I took so long." Rosette looked cheerful as she carefully rolled over to her brother. "I hope you are hungry Roy."
Roy looked up from his work and pushed a stack of paper to the side in order to make room for the tray that Rosette placed on his desk. Noticing the soup on the tray, the colonel took the time to inspect his sister's legs in order to make sure the hot liquid didn't manage to burn her on the way back. When he was satisfied that she was fine, the young man pulled away and raised his eyebrow. "...You didn't have to get me all of this food, Rose," he remarked. "I only asked for coffee and a sandwich."
"You'll need more than a sandwich in your system to counteract the sugar." Rosette smiled at her brother. "I'm fine, you don't need to fuss!"
The colonel sighed, knowing that her care over him always seemed to convince her to risk her own health in the process. He looked over the portions set on the tray and slowly rolled over a thought in his head before glancing at her with a suspicious expression in place. "...How did you manage to carry such a heavy tray that long distance without spilling anything?" he finally asked.
"I kinda got lost on the way there. A very nice soldier helped me get there and insisted on carrying the tray until I got close to the door." Rosette admitted.
"'A soldier'?" Roy echoed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What was his name?" he then demanded, already feeling the need to be protective of his sister.
"He said his name was Mark Stone. He was very polite and handsome; he didn't flirt at all Roy."
The colonel's eyebrow twitched slightly, never even hearing of the man's name until just now. "...And you're sure he was part of the military?" he pressed.
"He said he was a first lieutenant." She replied calmly. "I didn't see a pocket watch, so he's not an alchemist."
Roy prepared to ask her another question but was soon cut off by his constant female companion.
"I'm sorry to cut in, Sir; but shouldn't you be doing your work instead of interrogating your sister?" Hawkeye asked, reminding the man just how much he had to accomplish within a few days.
The colonel glanced back at the second lieutenant, preparing to argue back when she spoke again.
"...This may be out of my place to say, but you're only doing this to procrastinate on your work, Sir," Hawkeye bluntly pointed out.
Roy was at a loss of what to say since she was partly right. Heaving a defeated sigh, he pushed down the urge to smack his head against his desk repeatedly.
Rosette smiled at Hawkeye in thanks. "I'll get my own meal and explore a bit so I don't get lost again Roy. Hawkeye, make sure he eats everything okay?"
The military woman flashed her own little smile in return, proving that she had more than one motive on why she scolded her superior officer. "I'll be sure to," she replied before casting a look at the colonel who still appeared to be sulking like a child who got his hand caught in the cookie jar before dinner.
"He was perfectly polite Roy, it never crossed his mind to flirt with me." Rosette coaxed him. "I promise that he wasn't looking for a date."
The state alchemist still was being hard to convince, but he knew to also trust in his sister's word. "Well, if you two keep bumping into each other, I'll have to meet him sometime," he remarked.
"All right, though I don't think I'll see him again. He was on his break when he offered to help me." Rosette smiled. "You worry too much big brother, but I love you."
Roy shook his head. "I worry about you because I love you," he replied before reaching for his pen to set back to work.